5 Things to Do When You Get A Job Offer

Candidates should consider the small details before accepting a job offer

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You perfected your resume, aced the interview and secured the job offer. Now what?

It can be tempting to accept an offer right away, especially for those candidates who had a particularly long job search or those who are recent college grads. However, candidates need to consider all the small details before crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on any job offer. If something on the contract is overlooked, employees could find themselves regretting the decision a few months down the road because they were too quick to sign on the dotted line.

So when you get do get the offer, make sure you do your due diligence to ensure your new role is everything you hope it will be.

The following steps can serve as a guide:

Get the offer in writing. Request a written job offer outlining your salary, vacation package, benefits, start date and a meeting place for your first day. Take time to evaluate the offer by weighing the pros and cons. While an employer might not pay top dollar, he might offer a vacation package that seals the deal.

Confirm your benefits and perks. Ensure everything verbally offered to you is reflected in your contract. If there are discrepancies, connect with HR for clarification before your first day. It can be tempting to skim over the nitty gritty details, but it’s better to fully understand the offer from the outset.

Consider negotiating. Prior to signing on the dotted line, don’t forget you have the opportunity not only to negotiate your salary, but also adjust your offer in other ways, too. Think through all
your options, like requesting flexible work hours or the option to work remotely on occasion.

Ask questions. In preparation for your start date, ask about company rules, policies and dress code. The more you know about the environment you’ll be working in, the more comfortable you’ll feel on your first day. Additionally, discuss with your manager what projects or initiatives will be your initial focus during your first 30-60 days. This will give you a scope of immediate responsibilities from day one as well as open up communication with your new manager.

Set goals. Since you’ll be working hard at your new job, you’ll want your job to work hard for you, too. In advance of your first day, make a list of goals you hope to accomplish while in your new role, identifying specific skillsets you want to master. Ultimately, this will help you understand how this job fits with your career path and set you up for success in the new role.

Once you’ve addressed all your concerns and questions with the hiring manager and prepped yourself for your new position, you’ll be set to hit the ground running right from the start.

Beth Stein the Manager of Business Development in the Finance & Accounting division at Addison Group, a nationwide provider of professional staffing and search services. Addison combines a national network and localized service for broad reach with a personal touch. Specialized practices deliver the right candidate at the right time in administration & human resources, finance & accounting, healthcare, and information technology. Addison has received Inavero’s Best of Staffing award for both Client and Candidate service for the past four years. Learn more at www.addisongroup.com.